James ‘Jim’ L. Richards, 76, surrounded by family in his last hours, passed away peacefully in The Villages, FL on November 22, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. The son of Silas Richards and Nell Hartness, he was born January 2, 1938 in Starkville, MS, graduated from Mississippi State University, and went on to serve his country in the US Air Force from 1965 – 1967, flying C130 planes for the 464th Troop Wing, Pope AFB, NC. He retired after a career as a commercial airline pilot. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy, his children, Keith, Danny, and Barbara, eight grandchildren; Kristina, Kimberly, Lauren, Kyle, Brandon, Tyler, Alex, and Austin, and two great-grandchildren; Madison and Kyndall. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Richards, and will be missed by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at North Lake Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. Pastor Dave Stull will preside. Inurnment will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on December 29, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Shoebox, 8369 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420.
